ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Tatsuo Fukuda, center, comes from a family that has already produced two prime ministers: his late grandfather Takeo, left, and his father Yasuo. (Source photos by AP, Kyodo, Jiji and Keiichiro Sato) 
Inside Japanese politics

Tatsuo Fukuda, Japan's rising political scion, under pressure

Third generation of family expected to follow footsteps of father, grandfather

YUSUKE TAKEUCHI, Nikkei staff writer | Japan

TOKYO -- In December last year, Tatsuo Fukuda, 54, chairman of the General Council of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had a dinner meeting in Tokyo that included former chair Seiko Noda -- who vied with Fumio Kishida in last autumn's LDP presidential election -- and Katsunobu Kato, former chief cabinet secretary of the ruling party.

The council is the party's highest decision-making body, and its leader is regarded as a key player within the LDP. The chairperson is tasked with building consensus among divergent opinions and is typically offered to seasoned lawmakers who have considerable cachet with party members. Hence, it was unusual that Fukuda, who has been elected only four times to the lower house, was picked for the post. The dinner gave him a chance for him to reach out to some of his predecessors for advice.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more